How to Check Tire Tread Depth

How to Check Tire Tread Depth — Anderson Ford Bullhead City

You can check your tire tread depth in seconds with a penny. Insert a penny into a tread groove with Lincoln’s head pointing down and into the tire — if you can see all of his head, your tread is worn to 2/32 of an inch or less and it is time for new tires. New tires start around 10/32 to 11/32 of an inch. Full instructions and other checking methods are below.

What Is the Recommended Tire Tread Depth?

A new set of tires usually has a tread depth around 10/32 to 11/32 of an inch. Winter and off-road tires often have deeper tread. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, once your tires wear down to 2/32 of an inch it is time to replace them — at that depth or less they are not safe for Mohave Valley roads, especially in wet conditions.

How to Check Tire Tread Depth: The Penny Test

The quickest way to check tread depth is the penny test. Here is how it works:

1. Insert a penny into a tire tread groove with Lincoln’s head pointing down and into the tire.
2. Look at how much of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread.
3. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread is 2/32 of an inch or less — replace the tire as soon as possible.
4. Repeat the test in several spots on each tire, since tires can wear unevenly.

Other Ways to Check Tread Depth

The penny test is not the only option:

• Tread depth gauge: insert the probe into the shallowest groove and press the top bar flat against the tire for an exact reading.
• Tread wear bars: most tires have built-in indicator bars at the bottom of the grooves. When the bars are flush with the surrounding tread, the depth has reached 2/32 of an inch.

Tire Care at Anderson Ford Bullhead City

If your tread is getting low or you would like a professional inspection, our Ford service team can check all four tires, measure tread depth precisely, and recommend replacements matched to your vehicle. A tire inspection is also included with The Works® multi-point service.

Tire Tread FAQ

What is the minimum safe tire tread depth?

2/32 of an inch. Once your tires reach that depth, the U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing them for safe driving around Bullhead City and Mohave Valley.

How do I do the penny test?

Insert a penny into a tread groove with Lincoln’s head pointing down. If you can see all of his head, your tread is 2/32 of an inch or less and it is time for new tires.

What tread depth do new tires have?

New tires typically have about 10/32 to 11/32 of an inch of tread. Winter and off-road tires often have deeper tread.

Anderson Ford Bullhead City proudly serves drivers in Bullhead City, Golden Valley, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, and Laughlin, NV. Call 928-704-9853 or schedule service online today.